ESAD 'Christmas in July' Blog Hop

Hi all,

Welcome to the ESAD Blog Hop - 'Christmas in July'!

What is ESAD? ESAD stands for Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.

We love what we do, and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends and wonderful blog visitors, but we share what we love with other Demonstrators too. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know-how and cyberstamps and we are always there to help and support each other when needed. So if you are a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator located in either Australia or New Zealand, please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

If you're hopping in order, you'll have just come from the very talented Melissa Barkwith's blog.

My projects today focus on Christmas decorations. First up I have made this little ornament for the Christmas tree. It would also look great hanging over a window or doorway - although it has been such a challenge to photograph!

I have punched 7 stars from Holiday Treasures DSP pack using the large star punch, and folded each in half. I have adhered them together, alternating the pattern. Using sticky strip, the stars have then been attached to a hat pin, along with some pearl and crystal beads (all from the Pretties Kit). I learned this technique from Petronela Hardy at Regional training last year (she used the Full Heart punch - it will work with any punch that is symmetrical).

I've sponged the edges with Choc Chip ink and added some Crystal Effects to finish it off.

My second project again features the Holiday Treasures DSP, and the Pennant Die. This die features a small pennant, large pennant and four scalloped and perforated circles, all on the one die!

I have cut three smaller pennants and three scalloped circles using my Big Shot. The letters 'j-o-y' have been stamped onto the reverse pattern of the DSP using the Jumbo Outline alphabet, and cut out. I have adhered the pennants to some 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon (there is a special fold on the pennant specifically for this purpose) and embellished the joins with taffeta ribbon and buttons. To make the customised buttons, I punched a 3/4" circle of Holiday Treasures DSP and attached to the back of the small Stampin' Up! clear buttons. Some Chocolate Chip 'thread' finishes it off.

If you've got any questions about either of these projects, leave me a comment or send an email & I'll get in touch! Your next stop on the Blog Hop is Richelle Fletcher , I'm sure you'll enjoy the beautiful projects Richelle has in store!

Thanks for visiting - pop back again soon!

Genelle.